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April 6, 2012 (Santee) -- The Santee Sheriff's Station which oversees the communities of Santee, Lakeside, and unincorporated El Cajon conducted a pre-planned curfew sweep last night. The purpose of this operation was to enforce the curfew laws under the Santee Municipal Code and San Diego County Ordinances due to Wednesday night's tragic death of two juveniles from a vehicle collision that involved Anthony Foreman 18, and Jaylie Campbell 16, a student at Santana High School from the Santee and East County community. These senseless deaths emphasize and re-enforce the need for these types of operations.
Additionally Deputies were prepared to respond to violators of the Santee Municipal Code and County Ordinance in regards to Social Host issues. For many students, spring break is a carefree time away from classroom pressures. Unfortunately, for many it is also a time of excessive drinking and using drugs, and those dangerous activities can lead to fatalities and serious injuries.
The Sheriff's Department is committed to utilizing deputies to enforce the curfew and social host laws in the communities we serve. Deputies from the Santee Station will be patrolling the communities we serve in an effort to specifically look for these violations during peak periods such as spring break, summer vacation, and after high school sporting events and dances. The purpose of these operations is solely to protect the children of our community so that no more senseless deaths or injuries occur.
The Sheriff’s Department also wants to remind the public that it’s against the law to host underage drinking parties and to allow minors to drink alcohol. A social host does not have to be 21 years of age to be in violation of the law. The homeowner or property owner can be held liable for cost recovery. Social host violations carry a fine of $1,000 on the first offense. Second and subsequent violations carry a fine of $2,000 or up to 32 hours of community service or up to 6 months in jail. You may also be held liable for injuries sustained by third parties as a result of the minor guest’s negligence. A social host can also be liable for the cost of responding law enforcement services.
During the operation a total of 60 persons were contacted with 16 juveniles being arrested for curfew violations. Ten juveniles were located in the City of Santee, and six were located in Lakeside. All the juveniles were later released to their parents. No Social Host violations were discovered. Of the juveniles arrested, one was a 14 year old female middle school student who was extremely intoxicated, one was in possession of marijuana, and another was arrested for obstructing a peace officer. A total of seven juveniles were given the opportunity to participate in a Diversion program through San Diego Youth Services.
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